10 Ways to Boost Child Self-Esteem

Increasing Child Self-Esteem

As a parent, there are many questions and concerns that can come to mind as you are raising your child. One of the most common questions I get as an Early Childhood Educator is, “How can I boost child self-esteem?” Healthy self-esteem is a child’s armor against the challenges of the world. Kids who feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more readily and enjoy life. These kids are realistic and generally optimistic.

In contrast, kids with low self-esteem can find challenges to be sources of major anxiety and frustration. Those who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solutions to problems. If given to self-critical thoughts such as “I’m no good” or “I can’t do anything right,” they may become passive, withdrawn, or depressed. Faced with a new challenge, their immediate response is “I can’t.”

Every parent can play an important role in promoting healthy child self-esteem in his or her child and here are 10 best ways to do so…
1. Everyday, give your child your undivided attention for five minutes.
2. When you are upset with your child, send “I messages” instead of
“you messages.”
3. When your child is upset, give them empathy (stand in his shoes
for the moment).
4. When you give a job/responsibility to your child, let him do it
his own way. If he blows it, let it be.
5. Discipline with love (separate the behavior from the person).
6. Show an interest in your child’s friends.
7. Use nicknames that will build self-image.
8. Work to keep your self-esteem high.
9. Be polite.
10.Make sure your family rules are understood.

Taken from101 Ways To Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem, by Dr. Alvin H.
Price, Ph.D.and Jay A. Perry.

Kristin Rude | Early Childhood Expert

Kristin Rude is the Owner and Center Director of FasTracKids, Del Mar & Carmel Valley.  She previously taught in the Del Mar Union School District. Kristin obtained her teaching credential from the University of San Diego and has her Masters degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on second language learners. When Kristin is not working, motherhood keeps her plenty busy with her 2 children, Connor, age 3 & Katherine, age 2. She looks forward to having her own children benefit from the FasTracKids program. Spending time with her family, golfing, traveling, and continuously learning are among her favorite activities.